Navigating instrument



Feb. 16, 19342. E. J. w|| 1s NAVIGATING' INSTRUMENT Filed July 24, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 AZIMLJTH ARC HOUR ANGLE ARE HAND WHEEL DECLINATIUN AZIMLITHARE J5 AZIMUTH VERNIER LATITUOE \IERNIER LTITLIEIE AF E DEBiLINATI nscummmu VERNIER m w a M Q m w. WQ 5 HEIURANELEVERNIER Feb. 16, 1932. E. J. WILLIS NAVIGATING INSTRUMENT Filed July 24, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Each? um M G W25:

Feb. 16, 1932. 1,845,860

NAVIGATING INSTRUMENT Filed July 24, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I nto w} Feb. 16, 1932. E. J. WILLIS 1,345,860

NAVIGATING INSTRUMENT I Filed July 24, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 LATITUDE ARE 'AZFMCITH Am;

ALTITUDE ARC HULIR ANGLE ARE ukcuNATmN ARE few/ 0 J. W/L L/s akkomg Feb. 16, 1932.

E. J. WILLIS 1,845,860

NAVIGATING INSTRUMENT Filed July 24, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 AZIIMLITH ARE LATITUDE ARC UECLINATIUH ARE 5; ALTITUUEAHC ALTlT ANGLE AQC Patented Feb. 16, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT orrrca EDWARD JONEB WILLIfiOF RIGHHOND, VIBQINIA NAVIG'A'IING INSTRUMENT Application flled July 24,

This invention relates to navigating in strun ents.

Asiswell known, the determination of his line of position is a problem which constantly confronts the navigator, According to the methods generally employed, the

drawingof the navigators line of position involves the calculation of the altitudeand',

azinuith ot' the celestialbody fromithe deadrcckoned position; (Sta Hillaire or Sumner oncd hour-angle, Hour-angle and azimuth: are obtained from the declination ofthe heavenly body, the dead-reckoned latitude and the observed altitude of the "celestial body. In any case, the present practice of determiningthe two desired items involves either the use of higher mathematics andul somewhat diflicult calculations, or the use of i extensive and complicated tables.

In an attempt to obviate the diiliculties i111" volved in determining the two desired items, many types of instruments have been proposed and produced whereby the two unknown items may be obtained from the three So far as I am aware however,-

lmown items. none ofthese instruments has come into extendeduse due to inherent disadvantageous features. Most of these instruments are designed; to solve spherical triangles, and are therefore difficult to set up and operate, and

many instruments of this nature are of such a mechanical construction that resultscan-t not be relied upon as being sufliciently ace curate.

The principal object of thepresent invention is to provide an accurate instrument capahle of being easily set up and readily and simply operated, and with which, from'the knowledge of any three of the factors alti- 1930i Seriall'o. 470,481. a

necessity of using tables and calculations.

In short,-it is the primaryy purpose of this invention to provide an instrument whichwill do for the navigator exactl what i the adding machine does for the book eeper,-sviz,- simply, quickly and accurately give unknown factors upon the setting up ot the instrument according to known factors! Afurther important object ofthe invention is to provide an instrumentof the charactor referred to which is: inherently: accurate in its operation, due largely to its ea-- tures of mechanical construction wherein rigidity of the variousparts is obtained to gether with easy and substantiallyfrictionless movement of the coact-ing elements.

Although I have determined the invention a navigatinginstrument, itmore properly might be determined a nav1gatingrma+v chine, accordingto present day usa e. In certain s1tuations, and withsome di 'culty, the instrumentmay be made to solve s heri-i cal triangles although it is not inten edas a mechanical solver of spherical triangles," since navigation may be accomplished through the use of the instrument by a navigator who has no knowledge of spherical tri angles. In fact,ithe invention is primarily intended for :usebythistype ofnavigator.

It is a machine, which'on operating :a hand wheel or the like gives simultaneous values of hour angle, altitude and BZlIHHtlIMfOI aIIY heavenlyqbody, from any geographical 10- it reation. If desired, the instrument alsomay be usedto determine latitude wand decline tion. t

The operation of my instrument is based on the principle that a revolution about an:

axisthrough the observers position and par allel to the earths axis produces exactl the same effect as iftherevolutionwere*( as it" really is) about the earths own axis so far as altitudeand azimuthal-e concerned; In

the preferred embodiment of my machine I reproduce the five important items of navi gation, namely, latitude, hour-angle; decli tilde, hour-angle, latitude, declination and azimuth, the other two factorsaresimuh taneously obtained by a simple mechanical operationof the instrument andwwithout the nation, altitude and azimuth by five cali 1 bratedarcs which are adapted to parta'ke-ot' rotary motion about thciraxesiand which are 30- connected that all, five axes" will continuously and simultaneously intersect at a single point, which is the observers position.

Regardless of the size, shape and location of the arcs, the machine will function as desired providing the hour-angle arc and axis are at all times respectively perpendicular to the declination arc and axis, the latitude arc and axis respectively perpendicular to hourangle arc and axis, the azimuth arc and axis respectively perpendicular .to the latitude arc and axis, and the altitude arc and axis respectively perpendicular to the azimutharc and axis. By this arrangement, the altitude arc and the declination are are parallel on both meridians.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown several embodiments of the invention. In this showing,

Figure 1 is a side elevation, parts being broken away,

Figure 2 is a plan view,

Figure 3 is a central vertical sectional View on line 33 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a transverse section on line 44 of Figure 1,

Figure5 is a similar view on line 55' of Figure 1, v v

Figure 6 is a fragmentary face view of a safety device and associated elements, parts being shown in section, V

Figure 7 is a plan View of a modified form of instrument, and,

Figure 8 is a central vertical sectional view on line 88 of Figure 7. Referring to Figures 1 to 6 inclusive the numeral 10 designates a base casting as a whole in the upper face of which is formed a recess to receive a bearing ring 11. This ring rotatably supports a pedestal plate 12 to the upper face of which is secured a ring 13 calibrated from its center to its ends, from 0 to 90, as at 14 and 14 to form a latitude arc. The degree of latitude of the observer at the time of an observation is recorded on .7 the latitude arc, and when the latitude and declination at the time of observation have the'same signs, the latitude is recorded on the portion 14, while the latitude is recorded on the portion 14 when the latitude and declination have opposite signs. For the purpose of expediency the calibrated portion of the ring 13 is hereinafterreferred toas a whole as the latitude arc. r

The pedestal plate 12 is connected by spokes 15 to a hub 16 through which passes a pivot bolt 17. This bolt carries a nut 18 at its lower end engaging a disk 19, as shown in Figure.3. The upper part of the hub 16 rotatably supports the inner end of an arm 20 the outer end of which is ofiset as at 21 (Fig. 4) to extend across the .upper face of the ring 13., A clampingvplate 22 is arranged beneath the arm 20 and is provided with an opening in which is threaded the lower end 1. "of a screw 23 passing upwardly through the 'justment for the latitude are 13.

A plate 26 (Fig. 3) is bolted against the upper face of the ring 12 and is provided with an upstanding pedestal 27 carrying a horizontal bearing housing 28 at its upper end. The housing 28receives a spindle 29, turning about a horizontal axis and ball bear- 7 'ings indicated as a whole by the numeral 30 are arranged in opposite ends of the housing 28. A" nut 31 on the smaller end of the spindle permits all end play of the spindle to be removed, thus assisting in preventing inaccuracy in operation. It will be noted"; that the axis of the spindle 29 is perpendicu-- lar to and intersects the axis of rotation of the latitude arc.

The inner end of the spindle 29 carries a plate 32 secured to a hub 33, preferably formed integral with an annular member 34..

This member carries a ring 35 the periphery of'which is preferably calibrated to provide two portions each having graduations from 0 to 180, as shown in Figure 4. The ring 1 35 is hereinafter termed the azimuth arc, since the'angle of azimuth 1s recorded thereon.

A Vernier 35 is provided for the azimuth arc.

A pair of semi-circular members 36 have their ends rigidly secured to the annular member 34.- Each semi-circular member 36 is calibrated from its outer ends toward its center from 0 to 90. The outer faces of both members 36 are similarly calibrated for convenience in reading in the operation of the device. The members 36'are' termed the altitude arcs, since the altitude of the observed body is indicated onthese arcs. The altitude arcs aremounted with respect to the azimuth are 35 so that the axes of the arcs are perpendicular to and intersect each other and the axis of the latitude point.

A yoke 3'?" is pivotally connected asat 38' to projections 39 carried'by the annular member 34, and'the yoke rotates inside the alti-' arc at'a common tude arcs 36. As shown, the axis of the arcs 36 passes through the axis of the pivots 38 of the yoke 37. The yoke is provided with an extending arm 40, which is termed the altitude index, since it carries verniers 41 from which the altitude of the observed body' is read. A pair of supporting frames42 extend upwardly from the left end of the base 10, as viewed in Figure 3. The members 42 carry ball bearings indicated as a Whole by the numeral 43 to. rotatabil support a shaft 44.. Adjacent one end 0. the shaft 44 is mounted a hand wheel45 operative for rotating the shaft 44. A pin 46, carried by the hand wheel, pivotally supports the upper end of an arm 47, the free end of which is normally urged inwardly toward the shaft 44 by a spring 48 having one end connected to the arm 47 and the other end connected to the hand wheel as at 49. Intermediate its ends, the arm 47 carries a tooth 50 enga e able with the teeth of a wheel 51 rigidly connected to the shaft 44. The engagement.

between the tooth 50 and wheel 51 transmits m turning movement between hand wheel and its shaft 44, provided the latter is not locked against rotation, and accordingly, it will be apparent that forced rotation of the wheel 45 under such conditions permits the tooth 50 to escape over the teeth of the wheel 51 to prevent damaging the ap aratus.

A clamp plate 52 is carrie by the shaft 44. A clamp 53 has portions arranged on opposite sides of the plate 52 and tightly engageable therewith upon operation of the screw 54. The clamp 53 is carried by the outer end of an arm 55 the inner end 56 of which is rotatable about the hub of the plate 52. A tangent screw 57 has one end connected to the clamp arm 55 and is threaded through a support 58 carried by a connecting arm 59 extending between the frames 42. Operation of the tangent screw 57 when the screw 54 is tightened obviously provides micrometer adjustment means for the shaft 44.

The shaft 44 carries an annular member 59 to the peripheral portion of which is connected a ring 60. One face of the ring 60 is calibrated from 0 to 360, as shown in Figure 5. The ring 60 is termed the hour-angle arc, since the hour-angle at a given observation is recorded on the calibrations of the ring: As shown, the axis of rotation of the hourangle arc is perpendicular to and intersects the axis of rotation of the latitude arc. A vcrnier 60 is provided for the hour-angle arc.

In this connection it will be noted that rotation of the hour-angle arc is the rotation which occurs with time, and the hand wheel, when turned, performs the same action relative to change of altitude and azimuth that occurs as a celestial body apparently takes its course through the sky.

As in the case of the spindle 29, it is desired that all lost motion be eliminated from the shaft 44 and accordingly a nut 61 is adapt ed to take up end play, all radial movement of the shaft being eliminated by the substantial and finely fitted bearing means for the shaft. To assist in the accuracy of the instrument, a counter-weight 62 is carried by the plate 52 for a purpose to be described.

The inner end of the shaft 44 carries a plate ll 63 to whiohis secured a second plate 64 supputting a q adrant 65. bv sly h qu rant 65 is rigidly connected to the shaft, 44 to. rotate therewith. The angle of declination is. recorded on the quadrant 65, and ac! cordingly this element is designated as the declinationarc. The axis of the declination are is perpendicular at all times to the axis of rotation of the hour-angle arc. The declination are is calibrated from its free end toward its inner end from 0 to 90, as indicated in Figure 2. a

In order that the quadrant 165 may be stopped in a position which corresponds to the meridian, or 0 on the hour-angle arc, a stop 66 is secured to the base 10. as shownin Figure 1, and has its upper end arranged in the path of rotation ofthe quadrant 65 to limit its downward movement. For adjustment purposes, the lower end of the stop 66 is threaded as at 67 in a lug 68 carried by the base 10, and a lock nut 69 is provided for securing the stop in adjusted position corresponding to the meridian, as stated.

As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 6, the declination arc carries an inner guide 70 upon which is slidable a rider 71 carrying a Vernier 7 2 associated with the declination are. A

projecting pin 73 extends into an openin in i the rider and is engaged preferably by our pins 74 slidable axially with respect to the pin 7 3 in guides 75. The pins 74 carry outer heads 76 engageable against the guides 75, as shown in Figure 6. Springs 77 are connected betwen the heads 76 to urgethe pins 74 inwardly against the projecting pins 73. The resilient mounting of the pins 74 is provided in order to prevent the instrument from being strained, and injured should anyone attempt to operate the instrument with any of the clamps improperly locked. Under normal conditions however the pins 74 serve to accurately position the pin 73 with respect to the rider 71. This safety feature is important as is the engagement of the tooth 50 with the wheel 51 since any springing or flexing of the parts is fatal to the accuracy of the instrument.

The rider 71 is connected by apin 77 to. one end of an arm 78. Thisar n is eccentrically connected as at 7 9 to an operating lever 80 having concentric pivotal connection 81 with a slide 82. a A clamping screw 83 is carried by the slide 82 and is enga cable with the declination quadrant to loc the slide against movement. When the slide 82 is locked, movement of the handle 80, through the eccentric 79 permits fine adjustment of the rider 71, and the rider is adapted to be secured to such adjusted position by a clamp screw 84.

As shown in the drawings, suitable verniers and tangent adjustments and clamps are provided for the declination, latitudeiand hourangle arcs, but not on the altitude or azimutharcs, for the veruiers of these arcsmust mit easy reading of the verniers, and the counter-weight 62 (Fig. 2) is provided to compensate for the weight of the declination quadrant 65.

The form of the invention shown'in Figures 7 and 8 is quite similar to the form previously described and need not be referred to in detail. The same reference numerals have been used in Figures 7 and 8 to designate parts which correspond to the parts illustrated in the form of the invention already described.

In the modified form of the invention, the

use of the single-shaft 44 mounted in spaced bearings and connected to a declination quadrant issomewhat changed. In place of this construction, a semi-circular declination are 86 1s employed, this arc being connected at opposite ends to shafts 87 and 88. The

hand wheel and hour-angle arc and the elements connected thereto are associated with the shaft 87, and since these elements are substantially identical with the elements previously described, no further description thereof is necessary. 'The shaft 87 is supported in a'ball bearing indicated as a whole by the numeral 88' and supported by the upper end of a frame or pedestal 89. A nut 90 on the outer end of the shaft 87 serves to take up any end play in the shaft as will be apparent. i T

In place of the clampplate 52, a similar plate 91 may be carried by the shaft 88, although it will be apparent that the clamp plate my be connected to the shaft 87 if de sired. A clamp 92 is associated with the plate 91 and is adapted to be operated by a tangent screw 93 threaded through a supporting lug 94 carried by the base of the instrument.

The operation of both forms of'the inven-- tion is the same and will be apparent to one skilled in the art. By way of proof of the proper operation of my instrument, it is well known that the five angles commonly used in navigation, viz,declination (D), latitude (L), hour-angle (t),altitude (A), and azimuth (Z), are at all times and under all conditions tied together by the following equations:

sin A=sin D sin Li cos I) cos L cos t sin D= sec. A cos D sin t In my instrument these factors are similarly tied together at all times by the same two equations. The first of the equations is known as the sine-cosine equation and is given in allbooks on navigation. The second'equation is deducible from the first as will be apparent upon examination of page 29 of my book, The Methods of Modern Navigation, 1). Van mama 00., New York, 1925). On page 17 of the same-book I establish the sine-cosine equation without employing spherical triangles, spherical, geometry or spherical trigonometry, andrthis establishment of the sine-cosine equation is also a mathematical proof that'my instrument obeys tion. a i I Since, as explained above, the instrument follows the two equations which are followed in nature, the navigator sets the declination on quadrant by moving the rider 71 to the proper position. As previously stated, the exact positioning of the rider may be accomplished by locking the screw 83, operating the handle 80 by moving it into desired-direction, and then clamping the screw 84:. The deadreckone'd latitude is then set on the proper latitude are 14 or 14 by rotating the plate 12 to the proper position. This proper position obviously can be obtained accurately by tightening the screw 23 and operating the tangent screw 24.

sextant altitude reads on either scale of either of the arcs 36; The clamp screw 54 is then locked in position to prevent rotation of the shaft 1 and the parts carried thereby. IV hen the parts are so locked the navigator then reads the hour-angle on the hour-angle arc60 and the azimuth on the azimuth arc 35. With these two factors he then draws his line of position in the usual or customary manner. Instead of operating the machine inthe manner just described, the navigator may first set the declination on the declination quadrant 65 (orthe'arc 86 shown in Fi ures 7 and 8) and the dead-reckoned latitu e on the latitude are 14 or 14, whereupon the hand wheel 15 may be rotated until the hourangle are 60 records the dead-reckoned hourangle after which the clamp plate 52 is locked in position. The navigator then may read his altitude on either scale of'either altitude are 36, and azimuth on the azimuth arc, after which the line of position on the chart may be drawn in the usual manner.

Regardless of whether the first or second method is employed, the same line of position will be produced. The first method is called the Time-Sight Method and the last is called either the St. Hillaire or the Sum-' ner Method. The methods referred to are both now in general use, some navigators using one and some the other, while some navigators use both methods to obtain a check on their work. I

The instrument is unquestionably theoretically sound and its extreme accuracy is due largely to structural features. For example, accuracy is obtainable largely through the use of the yoke 37 and its mounting, and in this connection it-will be notedthat the'projecting pin 73 on the index 40'permits the acthe laws of the sine-cosine equa The hand wheel 45 is then rotated man thecurate swing of the yoke on the turret head or member 34 and associated elements. The pin and associated elements also permitsthe yoke to swivel freely and accurately with respect to the rider 71. y

The instrument provides in effect two lather-r with their spindles 29 and 44 (or the.

spindle 29. andshaft 87 illustrated in Figures 7 and 8) set in accurate ball bearings having no lost motion, and with both spindles parallel to the base. The angle at which the two axes intersect each other obviously is determined by the latitude. The rotation of the spindle 29 represents the change in azimuth, while therotat-ion of the shaft 44 represents the change in hour-angle which occurs with time. The means for connecting the two lathe spindles is the yoke 37, index and pin 73. The angle at which this connection is made is determined by the position of the turret head (represented by the housing 28 and elements associated therewith) with respect to the declination are. The movement occurring with the turn of the hand wheel, which is the action of time, simultaneously and automatically moves the altitude vernier and the azimuth arc to their. proper places without any adjustment whatsoevcr and with no friction or danger of locking. It is largely these features which make the instrument operative, practical and useful.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that various changes in the shape,

size and arrangement of parts may be made. without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim: 1. A navigating instrument comprising five rotatable calibrated arcs representing rcspectively altitude, latitude, azimuth, declination and hoiilr-angle, said arcs being so mounted with respect to each other that the five axes of rotation at all times intersect at a common point which corresponds to the position of the observer, shafts rotatably mounted to define the axes of rotation of the azimuth and hour-angle arcs, said latitude are having its axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft of said azimuth arc, the shaft of said azimuth are being arranged in a common plane with the other shaft and rotatable in such plane, said latitude are being connected to said last named shaft to rotate therewith, verniers for the altitude and declination arcs, and a swivel connection between said verniers to cause them to move together and to freely assume angular positions with respect to each other according to the angular positions of said altitude and declination arcs with respect to each other.

2. A navigating instrument comprising five rotatable calibrated arcs having verniers associated therewith and representing respectively altitude, latitude, azimuth, declination and axes of rotation of the azimuth and hourangle arcs, said latitude arc havingits axis perpendicular to the axis of rotationof the shaft of said azimuth arc, the shaft of said azimuth arc being arrangedin a common plane with the other shaftand rotatable with said latitude .arc in said plane, means for clamping said latitude and hour-angle arcs against rotation, and a swivel connection be tween the verniers of the altitude and declination arcs to permit such vcrniers to move together and to freely assume angular positions with respect .to each other according to the angular positions of said altitude and decli .nation arcs with respect to each other.

3. A navigating instrument comprising five rotatable calibrated arcs having verniers ,associated therewith and representing re spectively altitude, latitude, azimuth, declination and hour-angle, said garcs being so mounted with respect to each other that the five axes of rotation at all times intersect at a common point which corresponds to the position of the observer, shafts rotatably mounted to define the axes of rotation of the azimuth and hour angle arcs, saidshafts being arranged in a common plane perpendicu a arc, bearing means for said shafts, the bearin means for the shaft of said azimuth arc beingcounected to said latitude are to rotate therewith, said altitudearc being rigidly connected to said azimuth arc, and means for,

pivotally connecting the Vernier of said altitude arc tosaid azimuth are to swing about anaxis perpendicular to said altitude arc.

.4. A navigating instrument comprising five rotatablecalibrated arcs having verniers associated therewithand representing respective- 1y altitude, latitude, azimuth, declination and hour-angle, said arcs being so mounted with respect to each other that the five axes of rotation at all times intersect at a common point whichcorresponds to the position ofthc observer, shafts arranged in a commonplane and rotatably sup orting said azimuth. and hour-angle arcs, caring ,means for said shafts, said latitude are having its axis perl pendicular to said plane and being connected with the bearing means for said azimuth arc,

said altitude are being rigidly connected to said azimuth arc, a yoke pivotally connected to said azimuth are on an axis perpendicular to said altitude arc and carrying the Vernier for said altitude are, and a swivel connection between the verniers of saidaltitude. and

declination arcs. I

{5- A navigating instrument comprising rlto the axis of .rotationof said latitude tive angles of the altitude and five rotatable calibrated arcs having verniers' associated therewith and representing respectively altitude, latitude, azimuth, declina-' tion and hour-angle, said arcs being so mounted withrespect to each other that the five axes of rotation at all times intersect at a common point which corresponds to the position of the observer, the axesof said-azimuthand hour-angle arcs lying in a common plane,

five axes of rotation at all times intersect at a common point whichcorresponds to the position of the observer, shafts supporting said azimuth and hour-angle arcs for rotation about their axes, said shafts having their axes arranged in a common plane perpendicular to the axis of said latitude arc, means'connecting the shaft of said azimuth arc to said latitude arc whereby said last named shaft is adapted to revolve with said latitude arc, a hand wheel mounted on the shaft of said hour-angle arc, and a resiliently engaged clutch connecting said hand wheel to the shaft of said hour angle arc.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature,-

EDWARD JONES WILLIS.

associated therewith and representing 'respectively altitude, latitude, azimuth, declination and hourangle, said arcs beingso mounted with respect to each other that the r five axes of rotation at all times intersect at a common point which corresponds to the p'osition of theobserver, the axes of said azimuth and houreangle arcs lying 1n a common plane,

hour angle arc about the axis of the'latter, a rider slidable along said declination arc and carrying the vernierthereof, an index for said altitude are carrying the vernier thereof,'and

a swivelconnection between said index and said rider to cause themto move together and to permit the verniers of said altitude and declination arcs to freely assume different angles according to the relative angularity of said altitude and declination arcs.

7. A navigating instrument comprising five v rotatable calibrated arcs having verniers associated therewith and representingrespectively altitude, latitude, azimuth, declination and hour-angle, said arcs being 'soomounted with respect to each other that the five axes of rotation at all times intersect at a common point which corresponds to the position of the observer, the axes of said azimuth and hour-angle arcs lying in a common plane, said declination arc being rotatable with said hour-angle arc about the axis of the latter, a rider slidablealong said declination arc and carrying the vernier thereof, an index for said altitude are carrying the vernier thereof,

said rider being providednwith an opening,

a pin carried by said indexand extending loosely into said opening, and a plurality of spring pressed pinsextending through said rider radially with respect to and contacting with said first named pin.

8. A navigating instrument compr sing five rotatable calibrated arcs representing respectivelyaltitude, latitude, azimuth, declination and hour-angle, said arcs being so mounted'with respect to each other that the' said declination arc being rotatable with said 1 

